Baltra Airport

Seymour Airport (also known as Baltra Airport) is not merely a transport hub, but a true landmark that sets the tone for your entire journey across the Galapagos Islands. It is the world's first fully ecological airport, operating exclusively on solar and wind energy, a feat confirmed by the prestigious LEED Gold certification. The terminal is designed to function without air conditioning even in the heat: the building "breathes" thanks to a thoughtful ventilation system and ocean breezes. The structure is constructed from recycled materials, including old oil pipes, symbolizing a respectful attitude towards the archipelago's unique nature.

Airport Features and Highlights:

The airport's main pride is its ecological architecture. The open layout allows visitors to enjoy fresh air, while the absence of glass in many wall sections blurs the boundary between the building and nature. Travellers are often greeted by local inhabitants—land iguanas—which sometimes bask in the sun right next to the runway or the car park.

The arrival logistics here are an adventure in themselves. Since the airport is located on the small island of Baltra, the transfer to the main tourist city of Puerto Ayora involves a short bus ride to the Itabaca Channel, a ferry crossing over turquoise waters, and a scenic drive through the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Despite its remoteness, the terminal features a comfortable VIP lounge and souvenir shops.

Below you will find contact information for Seymour Airport (GPS), which serves Santa Cruz Island and the city of Puerto Ayora.

• Official Website: www.ecogal.aero. On the ECOGAL operator's website, you can find up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +593 5-252-7067. Please note that this may be the airport administration number, and response times may vary.
• Airport Address: Isla Baltra, Galápagos, Ecuador. It is important to remember that the airport is located on the separate island of Baltra, from where you must travel by ferry and bus to reach Puerto Ayora.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the dedicated contact form on the official website under the "Atención al Cliente" (Customer Service) section.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on their official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost & Found Information: If your belongings were lost within the terminal, contact the Lost & Found service via the airport website. In case of lost luggage during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions and support, the most effective method is to reach out via the contact form on the official airport website.

Getting to Baltra Airport from the city of Puerto Ayora is a bit of an adventure, as the airport is located on the separate island of Baltra, while the city is on Santa Cruz Island. The journey consists of several stages, but it is well-organised and forms part of the unique Galapagos travel experience. The entire route from the centre of Puerto Ayora to the airport terminal usually takes from 1.5 to 2 hours.

Public Transport: Bus and Ferry

This is the most popular and economical method. The journey consists of three parts:

1. Bus to Itabaca Channel: Buses regularly depart from the bus terminal in Puerto Ayora to the Itabaca Channel, which separates Santa Cruz and Baltra islands. The trip lasts about 45-60 minutes and costs approximately $2-5 USD.
2. Ferry across the Channel: Upon arrival at the channel, you will need to transfer to a small ferry. The crossing takes only about 10 minutes and costs approximately $1 USD.
3. Bus to the Airport: On the Baltra Island side, special buses (often with airline logos, such as Lobito) will be waiting to shuttle passengers between the ferry crossing and the airport building. The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs around $5 USD.

Be sure to carry small cash denominations, as payment is usually made on the spot.

Taxi and Transfer

A more comfortable and faster way to reach the crossing is to take a taxi. In Puerto Ayora, taxis are typically white pickup trucks (*camionetas*). The trip from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel will cost approximately $25-30 USD and take about 40 minutes. This option is particularly convenient if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage. Please note that the taxi will only take you to the channel—you will still need to use the ferry and the bus on Baltra Island independently.

Car Rental and Parking

Renting a car for a trip to the airport is not a common or practical option in the Galapagos Islands. You cannot transport a rental car to Baltra Island. Most tourists move around by taxi, bus, or as part of organised tours. Consequently, the issue of long-term parking at the airport is not relevant for travellers.

Important Recommendations

To avoid rushing and potential delays, plan to leave Puerto Ayora at least 3 hours before your flight's departure time. The journey through the scenic highlands of Santa Cruz Island is a small excursion in itself. Enjoy the views and remember that you are in one of the most unique places on the planet, where even the road to the airport is part of the adventure.

Baltra Airport (GPS), the main aerial gateway to the Galapagos Islands, is distinguished by its unique and thoughtful structure. It is important to know that the entire airport complex consists of one modern terminal, making navigation extremely simple and intuitive.

The terminal was built using environmentally friendly materials and technologies, making it the world's first "green" airport. Its design maximises the use of natural lighting and ventilation. The terminal layout is very logical: it is a single elongated building divided into several functional zones. Since there is only one terminal, no transfers between terminals are required, which significantly saves travellers' time and energy.

Arrival and Departure Zones are located in different parts of the building but are within walking distance of each other. Upon arrival, passengers first undergo special phytosanitary control, then pay the Galapagos National Park entry fee and collect their luggage. The departure zone includes airline check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small waiting area with a few shops and cafes. All signs are clear and duplicated in English.

Check-in and security procedures usually proceed quite quickly thanks to the airport's compact size. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This is because, prior to check-in, you must undergo a mandatory luggage check for prohibited organic materials (SICGAL), which may take some time. For navigation, simply follow the signs: it is practically impossible to get lost here. After check-in and security, you immediately enter the waiting hall, from where boarding takes place.

The history of Baltra Airport, the main air entrance to the Galapagos Islands, is inextricably linked with global events. Its story is a journey from a strategic military facility to the world's first "ecological" airport, making it truly unique. The airport is located on Baltra Island, from where travellers reach the city of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

The airport was built during World War II by the United States. Construction began in 1942, and the facility was named "Beta Base". Its primary mission was to defend the Panama Canal from potential attacks. An airstrip and necessary infrastructure for the US Air Force were established on the island. After the war ended, in 1946, the base was handed over to the government of Ecuador and gradually began to transform into a civil airport serving a growing stream of scientists and tourists.

A key stage in the airport's history was its radical modernisation in the early 21st century. The old terminal could no longer cope with the load and did not meet the strict environmental standards of the Galapagos Archipelago. In 2012, a new terminal was opened, which became a real breakthrough. Baltra Airport received global recognition as the world's first "green" airport. It was built using recycled materials (for example, steel pipes from Amazon oil wells) and designed to maximise the use of natural light and ventilation, minimising electricity consumption. A significant part of its energy needs is covered by solar panels.

Among interesting facts from the airport's history, its impact on local fauna is worth noting. During the construction of the military base, the population of local land iguanas disappeared from Baltra Island. Only decades later, thanks to the efforts of scientists, were these unique reptiles successfully reintroduced to the island. Today, when landing at the airport, you step onto land that is an example not only of technological innovation but also of the successful restoration of a fragile ecosystem.

Baltra Airport (GPS), despite its compact size and ecological focus, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal is designed to be convenient and functional, offering travellers a set of basic amenities.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops. In the airport building, you will find several small cafes where you can have a snack, coffee, or soft drinks. Shops mainly offer souvenirs, local crafts, and travel essentials. This is an excellent place to buy last-minute gifts reminiscent of the Galapagos Islands.

VIP Lounge. For passengers wishing to spend time in a quieter and more private setting, a VIP Lounge operates at the airport. Here, guests are offered comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, and access to more stable internet.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal; however, please note that due to the remoteness of the islands, connection speed may be low. Charging stations for mobile phones and other electronic devices are located in the waiting areas.

Financial Services and Communication. ATMs are installed in the airport for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange points may be limited, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. The currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar.

Additional Services. A mother and child room is equipped for passengers with small children. In case of necessity, you can contact the medical point for first aid. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and staff assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels or conference rooms on Baltra Island, where the airport is located. Most travellers depart by ferry to Santa Cruz Island immediately after arrival, where the main tourist centre—the city of Puerto Ayora—is located. That is where hotels, restaurants, and tourist infrastructure are concentrated. Specialised business centres are also not provided at the airport.

Baltra Airport (GPS), being the main gateway to the Galapagos Islands, offers travellers basic but convenient options for a snack before or after a flight. It is important to understand that this is a small and ecologically oriented airport, so the choice of establishments here is limited compared to major international hubs.

The main dining area is located in the general departure hall, accessible to all visitors before security control (landside). Here you will find several small cafes and a food court where you can order sandwiches, pastries, local snacks, as well as hot and cold beverages. After passing through security (airside), the selection is typically even more modest and may be limited to a small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks.

Although there are no full-service à la carte restaurants here, the local cafes are a great opportunity to try Ecuadorian snacks such as empanadas (stuffed pastries) or pan de yuca (cassava bread). This is a wonderful option for a quick and filling bite. For a more substantial lunch, it is better to choose ready-made sandwiches or salads. The price range at the airport is moderately high, which is typical for remote island territories.

Specialised dietary options (vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal) are extremely difficult to find. The selection may be limited to fruit or simple salads without dressing. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Establishments in the airport operate in accordance with the flight schedule—they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last plane leaves.

Flying to the Galapagos Islands is a special event, and preparation for it begins at the airport. Baltra Airport (GPS), the gateway to this unique world, has its own specific features. To ensure your journey to Puerto Ayora and other parts of the archipelago goes smoothly, make use of these tips.

Arrival and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the departure airport on mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) at least 2.5-3 hours before your flight. Before check-in, you must undergo a special inspection and obtain a Transit Control Card (TCT - Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito), as well as have your luggage checked for prohibited organic substances. This process adds time to standard procedures.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: If possible, choose a window seat. Breathtaking views open up as you approach the islands. It is strictly prohibited to carry any seeds, fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed animal products in your hand luggage or checked baggage. This is done to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos. Your luggage will be thoroughly checked.

Customs Control upon Arrival: Immediately after landing in Baltra, all passengers undergo another phytosanitary control. Here you will also need to pay the Galapagos National Park entry fee. It is strongly recommended to have the necessary amount in US dollars cash, as card payment terminals may work unreliably.

For Passengers with Transfers: Baltra Airport is the final destination for most flights. The onward journey usually involves a short bus ride to the Itabaca Channel, a ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island, and then a bus or taxi ride to the city of Puerto Ayora. Allow at least 1.5-2 hours for this route.

Economy and Unforeseen Situations: To save money, bring a reusable water bottle—there are places to refill it at the airport and on the islands. In case of a flight delay, bear in mind that Baltra Airport is small, and the choice of cafes or shops is limited. Download films or books to your device in advance. Remain calm and stay in touch with your airline representatives for up-to-date information.